The American tourist that was mauled to death by a lion in South Africa has been identified as Katherine Chappell.
The American woman mauled to death by a lioness at a South African safari park has been identified as Katherine Chappell, from Westchester County, New York. Katherine grew up in Rye, where her family still lives.
She was a special-effects editor who worked on Captain America, Divergent, and the Emmy winning show Game of Thrones.
The 29-year-old was driving through the lion park taking photos and apparently ignored the warning signs to keep windows closed at all times.
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Her tour guide behind the wheel was quoted as saying Katherine "...had a camera and, of her own accord, rolled down the passenger window in order to take photographs. A lion then attacked [her] through the open window."
Katherine died from savage injuries to her neck. Her 66-year-old guide reportedly suffered a heart attack as he tried to fight off the lion.
She graduated from Hofstra University on Long Island and was in South Africa on a volunteer mission to preserve wildlife. She started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her crusade.
Her sister posted a touching tribute on Facebook: "Katie was a brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited woman. Her energy and passion could not be contained by mere continents or oceans."
On the eve of the attack Katherine posted a receipt of what would be her last meal. It included a beer and desserts, including chocolate cake. The customer name is listed as “American" to which Katherine wrote, "American Ha Ha Labeled!!"
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The potential perils of safari parks are well known.
World renowned wildlife expert Jack Hanna told INSIDE EDITION, "You go to these parks, these parks have rules and they are very simple. You don't open your door. You don't open your window. You follow the rules! I have been on safari where people don't follow the rules. They still want that better picture - 'Got to get that better picture, let's get closer to that lion. Let's get real close like 10 yards close.' You don't want to get that close picture because it may be your last picture."
The South African facility where the young American was killed is called Lion Park.
Watch Below: American Tourist Mauled By Lion May Have Been Safe if She Followed the Rules
